Amazing things to do when you are in Mauritius

Shimmering azure waters, swaying palms, vibrant temples, and Hindu deity sculptures—these are some of the amazing views you can spot from your window seat while visiting this dreamy island nation. Nestled along the southwestern part of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius spans 2,040 sq km and carries a colonial maritime history. The island country is a melting point of European, Indian and African culture. The food safari here involves a flavourful culinary affair. Don’t forget its birthplace in Africa’s oceanic crust, which gives it rich volcanic soil and microclimatic zones—an ideal match for thriving hospitality.

For most travellers, Mauritius is just crystal waters and white sands. But it is way beyond that. Before your Mauritian voyage starts, check out these guides on what to do in Mauritius for an unmissable adventure.

Head to the Seven Coloured Earths

Enjoy an immersive nature walk along the Seven Coloured Earths. It’s a very popular colourful destination for travellers. You will find colourful dunes with layers of red, blue, orange and purple hues revealing the 600-million-year-old geological wonders. Photographing these magnificent dunes on your tour in Chamarel is one of the top things to do in Mauritius.

Venture into water sports

Travelling to Mauritius is incomplete without immersing yourself in watersports. No doubt, the island is an absolute heaven for water lovers and some of the most amazing things to do in Mauritius would be parasailing, kayaking, snorkelling, and windsurfing. Embrace your beach day with a good swim along the Pointe aux Piments on the northwest coast, or dive in to observe the colourful coral beds and fish. Overall, it’s a great place to play, eat, chill and relax with your loved ones. Some other activities in Mauritius would include hopping onto a catamaran ride or cruise and making your day a bit more eventful!

Hiking the ‘tabletop’

Hiking the Le Morne Brabant or Table Mountain is definitely a must-do. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, the 556-meter-high mountain is a stunning site to behold and served as a refuge for slaves. Be sure to hike, admire the majestic views of the Indian Ocean, and the vivid panorama of the topography. These are some of the best things to do in Mauritius.

Wander in the markets of Port Louis

The bustling streets of Port Louis are one of the best things to do when you are in Mauritius. The Market is a treat to the senses, with a very wide array of fresh produce and food; it’s an unrivalled hub for fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and other foods. Indulge in gastronomic tours while hearing about the rich cultural history of the place. You will find the sight of fresh delicacies all around. Explore the Central Market and Chinatown to devour some scrumptious Char Siu pork, dumpling soup or even dhal puri!

Visit the botanical gardens of the Pampelmousses

The Pampelmousses undoubtedly holds one of the top tourist visits in Mauritius. Aged around 300 years old, it stands alone as the oldest botanical garden in the whole of the Southern Hemisphere. Take a leisurely stroll alongside the verdant garden and embrace the varied exotic fauna and flora.

Meet the wildlife

At La Vanille Nature Park, spot the largest group of captive-bred giant Aldabra tortoises. You can also try pony rides and visit the petting farm. Perhaps venture into watching some of the most versatile reptiles—geckos, iguanas, eels and Nile Crocodiles.

Dive into the diverse culinary scene

An obvious melting pot of cuisines, Mauritius lets you explore a variety on your plate. From French and Indian to Chinese, popular delectable dishes here include the farrata, dhol puri and an all-inclusive seafood menu.

Other places to explore

You would definitely miss out on something if you don’t visit the Blue Penny Museum—a place exclusively dedicated to the history and art of the Island. After that, you can head to the Casela World of Adventures in Cascavelle for a thrilling day trip.

When to visit Mauritius

Mauritius is a haven for water lovers. The island is best explored during the period of May to October. Widely because that is the time when it’s the dry season; rainfall is minimised, characterised by plenty of sunshine. If you happen to be in Mauritius during these months, you will be surprised to experience the cultural vibrancy of the island—Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali are some of the renowned festivals celebrated here. A little Indianness away from home.